18 More Days

I can't believe it, but my youngest will be five on November 8th. Where in the world has time gone? By the time Jason was 5, there were 2 more younger than him. Now, I'm left with no babies. Part of me is sad to know I will never experience being pregnant or giving birth again. My husband has made his wishes for no additional children very clear, so this is a pretty foregone conclusion.

There is just something special about babies, and how they can make anyone smile. I love the way they smell. I love when they play shy. Or when they grab their toes and place them in their mouths. The wonderment on their faces when exposed to something new. But alas, they grow up to smart mouthed, argumentative children.

To help keep me in focus, I will just try to remember the sleepless nights, the endless crying, and the lack of freedom I had when they were infants. Maybe that will shut my biological clock up.

Getting Better

It looks like my new fillings need to be adjusted and is the probably cause of my pain. The sharp pain has subsided, now to be replaced with a much more manageable dull ache. I'll take it. But boy I do have to admit the agony turned me pretty ugly. So in advance I will apologise to all I snapped at, yelled at, or was generally miserable to.

Got A Headache

And a toothache.....pain....throbbing, sharp and stabbing. Of course it is the weekend, so I am to suffer until at least Monday. I would like to either shoot my head off or yank every tooth out of the right side of my mouth. These things always seem to happen when they can not be taken care of. So until now, I'll be in the corner crying counting the minutes until I can take more Tylenol. Just so you don't think I've either given up writing my blog, or am having such a fabulous life I can't be bothered.

Trophy Wife

Every little girl has a dream. And I know I said we should foster female independence, but I was recently taken aback. A young girl (about 7 years old and not *my* daughter) proclaimed when she grows up she is going to be a trophy wife. I sincerely hope someone said something to her in jest, and she is enjoying the attention the remark is getting. She can't possibly know what that means, right? Well, the only thing I can think of is, I hope she doesn't sign a prenup and gets a good divorce settlement.

Book Club

Every month or so, I join a fun and fabulous group of ladies to discuss a work of fiction and talk about life in general. Sometime the books are interesting, entertaining and inspire spirited conversation. Others, not so much (and I'm not naming any books in particular). It is my turn to make the next reading selection, and I admit I have fear. I want something that will be thought provoking or maybe inspiring. I don't want mine to be the one we will all groan about, or make fun of it. However, I am completely unimpressed with the newer novels out there right now. Hopefully my pick will not completely bomb.

Girl Power!

I've been contemplating the meaning of empowerment of our girls and women. I know I will make true feminists cringe at my personal thoughts of what constitutes true feminine equality. For me it is about Choice.

Truly I believe in the ability of women to be whatever they want to be in their lives. This includes a stay at home mother, an astronaut, president, or a stripper. It is the freedom of choices. You are only objectified if you allow it to define your being. There is nothing wrong in using your sexuality (or perceived sexuality) to your advantage, as long as it is your *free choice*.

Do people choose to base their decisions of your character based on your looks or occupation? Yes, some. However, it is not your responsibility to live up to or refute these assumptions. Those who really want to look past stereotypes will do so.

So, a cheerleader is an athlete, a beauty queen can be a valedictorian, a blond can be intelligent. It is about perception and choice my ladies. Don't allow others to define you, create your own mold!

Alone Time

Mastering peace and quiet seems to be an art that I have not been able to conquer. This vacation has taken a toll on my sanity. The noise level in my home has hit decibels that would make a heavy metal band jealous. I try to clean the house only to receive unsolicited help. I attempt to make a phone call, and I have children sitting on my lap, trying to add to the conversation. Privacy and boundaries don't seem to exist. It's been 7 years since I've showered, peed, or had a decent conversation uninterrupted.

Sanity will return eventually, right?